Liverpool vs Fulham
Carabao Cup
Semi-Final
Wednesday
10th January 2024
Anfield
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Carabao Cup Semi-Final fixture between Liverpool and Fulham.
Liverpool vs Fulham: Preview
Liverpool form analysis
Liverpool’s recent Premier League form has been mixed, despite some positive attacking displays and resilient wins. They started this run by dramatically beating Crystal Palace 2-1 away from home on December 9th; after conceding to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty, Liverpool struck late through Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott to claim the points. Liverpool then labored to a goalless home draw against rivals Manchester United on December 17th before conceding late to draw 1-1 at home to league leaders Arsenal four days later; Gabriel Magalhães put Arsenal ahead early before Salah equalized.
However, Liverpool built momentum by winning 2-0 away at struggling Burnley on December 26th thanks to goals from Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota. Most recently, Liverpool ended 2023 by outlasting Newcastle United 4-2 at home in a thriller on January 2nd, with Salah again on target alongside efforts from Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones before Salah sealed Liverpool’s win late on from the penalty spot. Overall, Liverpool have shown endeavour and attacking threat, but game management and defensive focus must improve.
Fulham form analysis
Fulham have endured mixed Premier League fortunes recently. They started in scintillating fashion, dismantling West Ham 5-0 at home on December 10th courtesy of a Rafa Mir brace alongside goals from Willian, Tosin Adarabioyo and Harry Wilson. However, their form dramatically stalled after that rout. Fulham suffered a sobering 3-0 loss away at high-flying Newcastle on December 16th before losing 2-0 at home to struggling Burnley a week later, struggling to create chances.
Defensive issues then resurfaced in a 3-0 loss away at Bournemouth. On Boxing Day as Fulham fell behind early and conceded two late goals. However, Fulham finished 2023 on a high by dramatically defeating league leaders Arsenal 2-1 at home to reignite top four ambitions; quickfire second half goals from Rafa Mir and Bobby De Cordova-Reid earned the vital win after Bukayo Saka had put Arsenal ahead. Overall, Fulham must address drastic form swings if they are to finish in the top half of the league.